It's only a test, but Minnesota public safety officials say now is a good time to have an emergency kit in your home and an emergency plan for your family.

Minnesota will take part in today's (Wednesday) first national test of the Emergency Alert System. It starts at 1 p.m. Central time.

The test will briefly interrupt regularly scheduled television, radio, satellite and cable programs.
Minnesota's top emergency official, Kris Eide says the test is designed to ensure public safety officials and the president can immediately address the nation if there is a terrorist attack or disaster.